Chapter 22

"Big brother Alberto, thank you so much for the many weapons!"

The next day, I visited Alberto to express my gratitude.

The weapons were delivered by Silfa with a cart.

I said I could carry them myself, but they wouldn’t accept it, saying it was inappropriate for a prince to do such a thing.

"You were quick, Lloyd. Are you done already?"

"Yes, I had so much fun I couldn't stop."

I even skipped meals and sleep to work on it.

I also skipped Silfa's sword practice.

When I told her it was a request from Alberto, she reluctantly backed down.

Glancing at Silfa, she still seemed a bit upset.

"But I'm sorry, I broke quite a few weapons."

Out of 120, only 50 were successfully enchanted.

Well, at first, about 80 were left.

But I wanted to push it a bit more, so I stripped the magic essence and repeatedly re-applied the enchantment until the very limit.

As a result, I broke an additional 30. I'm sorry.

Even I didn't dare touch the magic swords any further. They were already at their limit.

I was nervous, thinking I might get scolded for breaking so many, but Alberto was looking at the swords with a serious expression.

"50 out of 120!?! ... Even first-rate enchanters have a success rate of only about 10%. That's why I had the guards gather a large number of weapons... Moreover, the enchantment was even applied to the magic sword that was mistakenly left behind. Enchanting a magic sword requires different knowledge and skills. There are very few who can do it. And yet, Lloyd, you managed to do it at your age...? It's simply unbelievable. My brother, what a talent. I always thought you were impressive, but you might be even more than I imagined..."

He turned his back to me, muttering something.

I wonder what it is, did he get angry because I broke too many swords...

"Lloyd"

"Y-Yes!"

I instinctively straightened my back.

To my surprise, when Alberto turned around, he was smiling.

"Thank you. With this many weapons, the guards will be delighted. ... By the way, I've been ordered by Father to slay a magic beast. Would you like to come along, Lloyd?"

"! A magic beast hunt?"

A magic beast is a giant creature with magical power.

They are highly intelligent and some can even understand human speech.

They generally don't get along with humans, don't form groups, and live alone, often ravaging waterways and fields, and sometimes even destroying small villages.

I saw one in my previous life; it was a giant boar about five meters tall, destroying the city walls and collapsing several buildings.

At that time, it took ten guards to drive it away.

Incidentally, I learned as a prince that while magic beasts are dangerous to commoners, they are also a hunting target for some nobles.

I had heard about magic beast hunts from my older brothers like Charles and Alberto.

I had always wanted to go once.

"Yes, I was ordered by Father. The day after tomorrow, I'll be going with the guards to slay it. How about it?"

"I'll go! I'll definitely go!"

I agreed without hesitation.

Not only can I go outside the castle openly, but I can also see the effects of the enchantment magic in action when the guards fight.

Besides, if I'm fighting a magic beast, there are some spells I want to try.

There's no reason to refuse.

"Excuse me, may I join as well, Alberto-sama?"

Silfa stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Yes, you're Lloyd's bodyguard and caretaker, so it's natural for you to come along."

"Thank you."

She bowed again and stepped back.

"Alright, it's settled. Then, come to my room early the day after tomorrow. Got it?"

"Yes!"

I answered cheerfully and left Alberto's room.

Silfa followed me silently down the corridor, her mood improving.

"By the way, Silfa, have you ever seen a magic beast?"

"Yes, I've accompanied Father on several magic beast hunts. The knights chase them, and it's a lot of fun. I'm sure you'll enjoy it, Lloyd-sama."

"Sure, I'm looking forward to it!"

Seeing my beaming smile, Silfa slightly turned her face away.

"Your first magic beast hunt... Your sword skills have improved a lot from our daily practice. It might not be a bad idea to experience real combat. ... After all, you can't truly understand swordsmanship without using a sword in battle. This is a good opportunity for you to develop as a swordsman. And perhaps, I might get to see your full strength. Hehe, I'm getting excited..."

I wonder what she's muttering about.

"Hehe, everyone is very interested in Lloyd-sama."

"Really?"

I doubt a plain seventh son would attract that much attention.

Oh well, I'm looking forward to the day after tomorrow anyway.